What term refers to the three-dimensional space receiving therapeutic doses of radiation?

The term that refers to the three-dimensional space receiving therapeutic doses of radiation is the treatment volume. In radiation oncology, the treatment volume is defined as the extent of the area that is intended to absorb the radiation dose necessary for effective treatment of the malignancy. This volume is crucial because it ensures that the tumor receives the required dose while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

Understanding treatment volume is essential for planning and delivering radiation therapy because it impacts both the effectiveness of the treatment and the potential side effects on healthy tissue. Identifying and delineating the treatment volume allows oncologists to optimize radiation delivery and improve patient outcomes.

The other terms, while related to radiation therapy, refer to different concepts; the target volume refers specifically to the volume containing the tumor and any surrounding tissue at risk for containing microscopic disease, phase refers to the various stages in treatment or cancer progression, and fraction pertains to a single dose of radiation given over multiple sessions.